Three K!lled As Trailer Crushes Tricycles In Anambra

At least three individuals perished and several others sustained injuries when a trailer hauling a 40-foot container toppled and crushed three tricycles at the Mgbaemene Bus Stop, near Upper Iweka, along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.

The devastating accident occurred around 7:20am on Thursday, October 16.

Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer driver was attempting to maneuver around a deteriorated section of the road filled with large potholes but lost control, causing the vehicle to fall onto the tricycles, which were also navigating the same hazardous area, trapping their occupants.

Drivers, passers-by, and local residents immediately launched rescue efforts, managing to extract some lifeless bodies, while others remained trapped.

The incident infuriated locals, who lit a bonfire to protest the government’s failure to repair the severely dilapidated road.

Security personnel, including members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, arrived at the scene and struggled to manage the enraged crowd.

The state FRSC spokesperson, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the accident, noting that the victims trapped beneath the trailer were transported to the hospital, where they were declared deceased upon arrival.

Onabe stated that the accident claimed the lives of two adult males, with a total of four male adults involved in the crash, two of whom were rescued unharmed.

She said, “The FRSC RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost responded to a fatal crash on the Owerri-Onitsha Road at approximately 8:20am today (Thursday). The incident involved a tricycle and a trailer, resulting in the deaths of two adult males. A total of four adult males were involved in the crash, with two others rescued uninjured.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the FRSC rescue team was dispatched to the scene, where they collaborated with the police to secure the area and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. The victims, who were trapped under the trailer, were taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced de@d on arrival.

“The vehicles involved in the crash were as follows: the Keke (tricycle) was red in color and had no registration number; the trailer also lacked a registration number or any other identifying features.

“Eyewitnesses reported that the cause of the crash was a poorly maintained section of the road, which caused the trailer’s container to fall onto the tricycle.”

According to Onabe, the FRSC towing van was utilized to lift the trailer off the tricycle, enabling the removal of the obstruction. She noted that the FRSC team successfully cleared the blockage, restoring traffic flow.

She further mentioned that the FRSC Sector Commander, Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“The FRSC is deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this tragic crash. We urge all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent such incidents. Our team responded promptly to the scene, and we are working to implement necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.

“The FRSC commends the police for their prompt response and cooperation,” she added.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli